Vatican synod addressing issue of lapsed Catholics

Oct. 13, 2012

Louisville Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz leads a praye at Chapel of the Woods at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Ky. on Oct. 4. Kurtz will embark on a monthlong synod in Rome. The mission for him and other bishops: Help the Roman Catholic Church confront the reality that one of its biggest mission fields is among its own members. Millions of lapsed Catholics, especially in the United States and other Western countries have joined other religious groups or become so jaded and indifferent that they might be called nonbelievers, according to a working document for the gathering. DAVID R. LUTMAN/GANNETT

Written by

Peter Smith
Gannett

WASHINGTON -- The expression "preaching to the converted" took on new meaning this week, as select bishops from around the world embark on a monthlong synod in Rome.

Their mission: Help the Roman Catholic Church confront the reality that one of its biggest mission fields is among its own members. Millions of lapsed Catholics, especially in the United States and other Western countries have joined other religious groups or become so jaded and indifferent that they might be called nonbelievers, according to a working document for the gathering.